Tree Removal & Stump Grinding in Bradley Beach, NJ

Bradley Beach is the mile-long Monmouth County beach borough between Ocean Grove and Avon-by-the-Sea, with Fletcher Lake on its north edge, Sylvan Lake on the south and Main Street (Route 71) running through the middle. Lots are small and houses sit close together, many of them summer rentals, so tree work here is mostly big street trees in the planting strip and older oaks, maples and evergreens squeezed into backyards next to fences, porches and overhead wires, climbed and lowered in pieces. Tell us about your job and we'll pass it to one local, independent tree company that serves Bradley Beach.

Tree services you can request in Bradley Beach

Tree permits in Bradley Beach

Bradley Beach has one of the stricter tree ordinances at the shore. Rules are in Bradley Beach Borough Code, Ch. 425, §§ 425-10 to 425-12, run by the Shade Tree Commission. As posted when we checked on November 2, 2026:

Permits cover private property too: per the borough, removing a tree needs a Shade Tree Commission permit whether it's in the planting strip (between sidewalk and curb) or on your own lot.
Fee and paperwork: $50 per application. You'll need the species, trunk size (DBH) and reason for each tree, a sketch of the lot showing structures and the trees, and a replacement plan. Mark each tree with a ribbon around the trunk.
Review time: the Commission or a licensed tree expert inspects and decides within 25 business days of a complete application (2026 amendment). If no decision comes in that window, the code treats it as approved. Permits last 12 months.
Replacement for healthy trees: 1 tree for a 5- to 16.99-inch trunk, 2 trees for 17–30.99 inches, 3 trees above 31 inches (each at least 2.5-inch caliper), or a fee into the Shade Tree Trust of $250, $500, $1,000 or $2,000 per tree by size. At least half of required replacements must actually be planted.
Post the permit card: since a 2026 amendment, the permit card must be shown in a street-facing window during the work and returned to the borough within 14 days after replanting.
Planting-strip stumps: stumps of trees taken out of the planting strip must be ground 8 to 12 inches below grade and backfilled.

The Shade Tree Commission resident quick reference guide says the replacement schedule applies to removing healthy trees. If your tree is dead or dangerous, email the Commission ([email protected]) with photos before work and ask what they need. Download the Shade Tree Commission permit application. Apply before anyone cuts, even in your backyard.

Local notes for Bradley Beach

Backyard trees need a permit too: unlike most shore towns, Bradley Beach requires a Shade Tree Commission permit for trees on private property, so build 5 weeks into your schedule for planned work (how to check a NJ tree care license).
Tight lots and rentals: houses sit close together and many are rentals, so most removals are climbed and lowered in sections; book off-season when parking and access are easier (tree removal, trimming).
Salt and wind: blocks near the beach and Fletcher and Sylvan Lakes take salt spray and nor'easter wind, so browning pines aren't always dead (salt damage, nor'easter tree damage).
Neighbors: Avon-by-the-Sea, Neptune City, Belmar and Lake Como.

Before you hire

New Jersey requires tree care businesses to be licensed through the NJ Board of Tree Experts. Ask for the company's Licensed Tree Care Operator number and certificate of insurance. For stump grinding, the free 811 utility markout is required before digging (NJ One Call).

Storm damage or a tree on a wire?

If there is immediate danger, call 911. Stay away from downed lines and report them to your electric utility (JCP&L, 1-888-544-4877, also serves this part of Monmouth County). Then see what to do after a storm and what insurance usually covers.